House Committee on Judiciary (JUD) - chair: Luke, vice chair: Oshiro

Tuesday, January 31, 2006, 2:00 p.m. Room 325

Testifier: Jean Aoki

Click here to view HB2540

The League of Women Voters of Hawaii is in full support of HB 2540. We believe this is long overdue. The Elections Office cannot guarantee a safe and successful elections process unless it can attract competent precinct officials. It is also crucial that they serve continually, because experienced and able chairs and assistants are needed to guide the newer recruits. The limited full time employees of the Elections Office, and even the seasonal employees hired just for a few months cannot oversee the 300 or so precincts on Election Day. The precinct chairs are pretty much on their own except for phone contacts. The continuity in experienced leadership is vitally important. The recruitment of newer and younger precinct workers is necessary to keep our electoral system functioning properly. If a raise in the stipend for each volunteer will help, there should be no hesitation in raising it. We urge the adoption of HB 2540. Thank you for this opportunity to testify on HB 2540.